Rabies advisory issued after ‘bat’ incident at Florida movie theater

FORT PIERCE, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health in St. Lucie has issued a rabies advisory, after an incident at a Fort Pierce movie theater.

According to the agency, it responded after a bat-related incident at TouchStar Cinemas in Sabal Palm Plaza at 2538 US-1, Fort Pierce, Florida.

DOH, St. Lucie has asked anyone who came in contact with a bat while at the theater to contact the agency for possible treatment:

Contact Information: DOH-St. Lucie

Monday – Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: 772 –462–3883Weekends or after hours: 772–462–3800.

To protect your family from rabies, the agency is suggesting you take the following precautions for you and your pets:

• Keep your pets under direct supervision and on a leash so they do not come in contact with wild or stray animals. If an animal bites your pet, seek veterinary assistance for the animal immediately and contact City of Fort Pierce Animal Control Division.

• Avoid contact with wild or stray animals. Do not handle, feed, or unintentionally attract them with open garbage cans or litter.

• Call your local animal control agency to remove any stray animals from your neighborhood. Contact City of Fort Pierce Animal Control Division at 772-467-3720, Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. To request an animal control officer before or after.

• Immunize your pets based on your veterinarian’s recommended schedule.

• Prevent bats from entering living quarters or occupied spaces in homes, schools, and other similar areas where they might come in contact with people and pets.

Visit the FLDOH website for more information on rabies.